A little over two years ago, I created a masterpiece post about Salix Hakuro Nishiki (Dappled Willow) and my new found love of this shrub. I was immediately taken by the variegation of the leaves with its mix of pink, white and green hues. Not to mention the appeal of it’s fast growth rate and love of wet soil.
At the time, I wondered aloud about how best to prune it and when. I had quickly realized it could wear out its welcome in it current location yet I enjoyed having something substantial in my relatively young garden. I also wanted to determine the best way to maximize the variegation and stem color. How was one to deal with such a life altering dilemma?
Fast forward to this past spring and I had yet to touch it.
And she looked damn good.
Upon closer inspection, I even had catkins growing for the first time. Small and delicate in nature and a nice added bonus to its spring appeal.
And that fantastic Salix Hakuro Nishiki leaf color was still in play as the spring progressed.
The sight of the back lit leaves with the late afternoon sun grabbed my eye every time I gazed out on to my deck.
But as you will see in the following pics, homegirl finally outgrew her spot.
So now the time has finally arrived to prune Salix Hakuro Nishiki back hard in late winter 2015. I’m thinking a severe pruning down to about a foot hoping that by season’s end, this willow will recover to a size of about 4′ x 4′.
I’m also hoping to continue to have the appealing red winter stems I’ve seen on this willow with the current season’s growth.
More to come in 2015.
homegirl looked like she was coming up onto that deck!
Jana – I kind of liked her spilling on to the deck. People would actually touch the branches which was pretty cool but one more year and she would eat the entire deck.
I have thought about this shrub. Love the red stems in the winter…have a redtwig dogwood that gives me some nice color in the winter.
I will keep my eye on future posts about how quickly the salix rebounces after a severe pruning.
Janet – I am anxious to see the results as well. The results will be documented completely throughout 2014.
I have often been drawn to this plant when I see it well contained in a pot at the nursery. I’ve always chickened out in buying it just because of the growth it is capable of. Your approach of late winter pruning might be the perfect solution.
Michaele – If this pruning works out, it is a must try!
Must agree, homegirl needs a trim! Love those Japanese cultivar
of dappled willow. However, if you are a prune-loving guy, this is
another plant you will need to prune fairly often.
Deborah – I’m ready to prune baby! Love the fun of watching the results, good or bad.
Hi,
What are the burgundy flowers in front of your willow?